Longitudinal effects of pro‐tobacco and anti‐tobacco messages on adolescent smoking susceptibility

Abstract

We examined the longitudinal impact of self-reported exposure to pro- and anti-tobacco media on adolescents' susceptibility to smoking, using in-school surveys from a culturally diverse sample. Ethnicity and acculturation also were examined as potential moderators. Middle-school students (N = 2,292) completed self-report questionnaires during the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Chi-square analyses were conducted to determine whether reported exposure to pro- and anti-tobacco media varied according to ethnicity, acculturation, and immigration status. Logistic regression models were used to examine whether pro- and anti-tobacco media exposure in 6th grade was associated with susceptibility to smoking by later grades. Recall of people smoking in television programs and pro-tobacco advertisements in stores was associated with adolescent smoking susceptibility. Exposure to anti-tobacco advertisements on television protected against susceptibility. No significant interaction effects between pro- and anti-tobacco media exposure on smoking susceptibility were found. Ethnicity and acculturation did not moderate these associations. Our longitudinal study provides evidence that pro-tobacco media and advertising increases susceptibility to smoking over time. More important, anti-tobacco advertisements are not sufficient to reduce the harmful effects of adolescent exposure to pro-tobacco media. Policy-level interventions such as restrictions in tobacco advertising may be necessary to prevent adolescent smoking.

Perceptions of e-Cigarettes and Noncigarette Tobacco Products Among US Youth

“…16 We believe that our results complement others' analyses of tobacco use patterns. The influential roles of tobacco-related media 18 and targeted cigarette advertising 30,31 on adolescents' tobacco use patterns have been previously noted. Likewise, perceptions of a lack of tobacco addictiveness have correlated with adolescent tobacco use.…”

“…17 For example, previous research has noted that social norms and exposure to tobacco-related media influence adolescents' later tobacco use patterns, probably by influencing how individuals perceive such products. 17,18 Recent research has demonstrated associations between youth perceptions of comparative harm and tobacco product use in the cases of light and intermittent smoking patterns 19 and e-cigarettes. 20 -22 Perceptions of relative safety regarding e-cigarettes may lead to unintended consequences.…”

Adolescents’ Perceptions of Light and Intermittent Smoking in the United States

“…21 Perception of tobacco influences youths' behaviors over time. Exposure to pro-and antitobacco media 22 and perceptions of secondhand smoke, 23 for example, alter adolescents' affinities toward tobacco use. Because 9 out of 10 smokers begin smoking as adolescents, 24 understanding adolescents' perception of light and intermittent smoking may be particularly helpful in assessing which individuals may benefit from targeted public health and clinical interventions.…”

Influence of Tobacco Displays and Ads on Youth: A Virtual Store Experiment

“…6 Youth who are exposed to retail tobacco marketing are also more likely to experiment with smoking and to become smokers. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 gives states and local governments legal authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of tobacco advertising. As states consider policies such as banning the display of tobacco products, empirical studies are needed to determine the potential impact of these regulations.…”